Writing Lab Dangling Modifiers

Dangling Modifier A dangling modifier is created when the noun or idea being modified is left out of the sentence. The modified term must be openly provided in the sentence. Knowing intuitively what is being modified does not make a correct sentence. Example: Having finished the chores, the TV was turned on. The TV finished the chores? Correction: Having finished the assignment, Jill turned on the TV.

Examples of Dangling Modifiers and Revisions Example: Upon seeing the stop sign, the car screeched to a halt. The car saw the stop sign? Correction: Upon seeing the stop sign, I brought my car to a screeching stop. I saw the stop sign. Example: Upon completing countless hours of research, my paper finally began to take shape. The paper completed countless hours of research? Correction 1: Upon completing countless hours of research, I saw my paper finally taking shape. Correction 2: After I completed countless hours of research, my paper finally began to take shape.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson